It has been a tumultuous year in South African politics, but we end it in slightly better shape than we started it – with a dangerous president increasingly running out of road, writes Arthur Christopher.

‘Boastful cop shot my son’

THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the death of a teenager, allegedly at the hands of a Pietermaritzburg policewoman.

IPID spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the circumstances surrounding the death of Mlindeli Ngcobo (15) are being probed.

“We have interviewed witnesses in this case. Once we finish investigating, we will hand the docket over to prosecutors to make a decision on whether to prosecute the officer.”

Mlindeli, who did not have a driver’s licence, was driving the family’s VW Golf when he allegedly bumped into the officer’s car on the Bulwer road in the Vulindlela area last Saturday.

His father, Sabukungiqonda Ngcobo, said he was unhappy that he buried his son on Thursday when the policewoman was walking free.

“She must be arrested, because she did not tell the truth when she opened a case alleging that my son attempted to hijack her.

The truth is that she was driving in front of the car that Mlindeli drove, when a truck [in the vicinity of the cars] braked. Mlindeli ended up bumping her car from behind. They discussed the accident and they decided to go to the police station to report it,” said Ngcobo.

The two returned to their cars and Mlindeli was driving away from the scene when the officer allegedly fired a shot in his direction.

Mlindeli was struck in the head and died.

“What angers me is that she was boasting that she was a policewoman and refused him help,” said Ngcobo.

Police spokesperson Captain Thulani Zwane said the officer opened a case of attempted hijacking in connection with the incident. Later a case of murder was opened against her.

The policewoman remains on duty, said Zwane.

• mlondi.radebe@witness.co.za

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